Robert’s story began in May of 1951. He was born the youngest of three in Chattanooga. He began going against the grain at a young age when the doctors told him he would never walk again. In his exact words, “I showed them!”
At 17, Robert graduated from basic training in Fort Ord, California. He then completed Advanced Individual Training for infantry in Fort Knox, Kentucky. His first tour was in Korea continuing to serve in the infantry. Upon reassignment to Augsburg, Germany, he returned home on leave where he met Becky. Robert and Becky were 19 years old and married on December 24, 1970. They just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary!
Over the next 20 years, the Army gave them the ride of their life! They began their family in 1971, when their son Darrell was born in Augsburg, Germany. Jimmy followed in late 1972 and his baby girl, Erin, was welcomed in 1983. While serving, he was selected to become a warrant officer and proudly executed missions all across the world. He retired from service and we returned to Chattanooga as civilians.
Civilian life didn’t slow him down! Robert viewed life as a constant adventure. He enjoyed coaching our sports teams. He took us parasailing. He explored with us...countries, forests, campgrounds...anything to experience something new.
As we all got older, the adventure changed, but never stopped! He went from raising kids to camping with grandkids. Robert loved the woods, the mountains and rivers and would take any excuse (or none at all) to get there.
As we parted ways, we’d always tell him to be careful. His response was always the same, “That would take all the fun out of it!”
Robert is preceded in death by his mother, Dorothea Arnold and father Clyde Tallent. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Rebecca Tallent; children Darrell (Terri) Tallent; Jimmy (Lisa) Tallent; Erin (Michael) Martin. Grandchildren Danielle Tallent, Ricky (Morgan Bryce) Tallent, Rhiannon Tallent, Curtis Tallent, Evan Tallent, Rylee Tallent, Raylon Tallent, Charlotte Martin, Jack Martin. Great-Grandchildren: Kyleigh Morgan, Harper Morgan, Weston Tallent, Steele Tallent. Brother: Larry (Martha) Tallent of Chattanooga, TN; sister: Linda Tallent of Rossville, GA and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 11 AM to 2 PM and 4 to 8 PM on Thursday, February 25th at the funeral home.
Funeral Services will be at 9 AM on Friday, February 26, 2021 at the funeral home with Pastor Randy Thomas officiating.
Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org).
To watch the service live you may join us at https://www.facebook.com/ChattanoogaValleyView/
We respectfully request that "social distancing", wearing masks, and all CDC measures be adhered to at the funeral home and the cemetery.
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